French Judo’s Golden Dilemma: Mkheidze and Valadier-Picard Set for Clash in Tbilisi

The eyes of the judo world turn to Georgia today as the European Judo Championships 2026 officially commence in Tbilisi. While the event promises a full slate of continental clashes, one of the most compelling narratives is unfolding within the French camp, specifically in the men’s -60 kg category.

France arrives in Tbilisi with a roster brimming with talent, but the -60 kg division presents a unique psychological and competitive challenge. The presence of both Luka Mkheidze and Romain Valadier-Picard has created what observers call a “rich man’s problem” for the tricolor squad—two elite athletes fighting for the same gold, both capable of dominating the podium.

Tous deux en lice chez les moins de 60 kg dans la compétition qui s’ouvre ce jeudi 16 avril en Géorgie, Luka Mkheidze et Romain Valadier-Picard incarnent, par leur rivalité, les problèmes de riches du judo tricolore.

A Tale of Two Trajectories

To understand the tension between Mkheidze and Valadier-Picard, one only needs to gaze back at the 2025 World Judo Championships in Budapest. The two athletes entered the tournament with high expectations, but their paths diverged sharply on the mat.

Romain Valadier-Picard cemented his status as a global powerhouse during that event. After navigating a tough bracket, he reached the final, where he ultimately took home the silver medal after a loss to Japan’s Ryuju Nagayama. That performance established Valadier-Picard as a primary contender for any tournament he enters.

Luka Mkheidze’s journey in Budapest was more turbulent. Competing in Pool A, Mkheidze advanced past Luis Barroso Lopez but suffered a pivotal loss in the Round of 16 to Csanád Feczkó. While Valadier-Picard was celebrating a world silver, Mkheidze was left to analyze the gaps in his game.

Coming into the European Judo Championships 2026, that disparity in recent results adds a layer of urgency for Mkheidze and a layer of pressure for Valadier-Picard. In a sport where mental fortitude is as critical as technical precision, the internal rivalry between these two teammates serves as a high-intensity training ground, pushing both to refine their grip fighting and transition speed.

The Broader French Mission in Tbilisi

While the -60 kg rivalry captures the headlines, the French Federation of Judo (FFJ) has deployed a comprehensive strategy for the four-day event, which runs from April 16 to April 19. The goal is singular: medals in every category where they have entered an athlete.

The men’s side is led by Joan-Benjamin Gaba in the -73 kg division. Gaba enters the competition not just as a favorite, but as the reigning world champion. He is supported by club partner Dayyan Boulemtafes, reflecting the strong influence of PSG Judo, which continues to act as a cornerstone for the senior national team.

On the women’s side, the stakes are historic. Romane Dicko (+78 kg), already a five-time European champion, is chasing a sixth title. If Dicko secures gold on April 19, she will officially become the most decorated French female judoka in the history of the European Championships.

The women’s squad is deep, featuring world leaders Shirine Boukli (-48 kg) and Amandine Buchard (-52 kg), along with Sarah-Léonie Cysique and Martha Fawaz in the -57 kg class, and the rising Melkia Auchecorne in the -70 kg division.

Strategic Gaps and Selection Risks

Not every category is filled. In a move that has raised eyebrows among analysts, the French selection committee has opted not to field any athletes in the -81 kg and -100 kg categories. This strategic void suggests a calculated risk by the FFJ, prioritizing depth and peak performance in specific weight classes over broad representation.

For the global viewer, this means France is betting heavily on its strengths. By concentrating resources and focus on athletes like Gaba and Dicko, and managing the volatile rivalry between Mkheidze and Valadier-Picard, the French team is aiming for quality over quantity.

For those unfamiliar with the tournament structure, the European Championships are a critical junction for ranking points. With the competition held in Tbilisi, the Georgian athletes will have a massive home-crowd advantage, adding an extra layer of atmospheric pressure for the visiting French duo in the -60 kg class.

Key Matchups and Objectives

• Romain Valadier-Picard: Aiming to convert his 2025 World silver into European gold to prove he is the definitive leader of the -60 kg division.
• Luka Mkheidze: Seeking redemption after his Round of 16 exit in Budapest and looking to disrupt Valadier-Picard’s momentum.
• Romane Dicko: Pursuing a record-breaking sixth European title on April 19.
• Joan-Benjamin Gaba: Looking to defend his status as the world’s best in the -73 kg category.

The outcome for the -60 kg pair will likely be determined by who can better manage the psychological weight of their internal competition. When teammates are this closely matched, the battle is often won in the locker room before it ever reaches the tatami.

The competition continues through April 19, with the final events and the potential for Romane Dicko to make history serving as the closing act of the tournament.

Do you feel the internal rivalry between Mkheidze and Valadier-Picard helps or hinders the French team’s chances for gold? Let us recognize in the comments below.